There are fears the death from the devastation caused by the powerful tropical storm in parts of Southern Africa could soon rise to around 1,000.
Cyclone Idai destroyed homes, schools, hospitals among others in mainly three countries – Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
For now over 150 people are known to have died from the storm through flooding.
But Mozambique’s president Filipe Nyusi said on state broadcaster Radio Mocambique on Monday that things could be worst than initially thought.
He said number of deaths from the Cyclone and its associated flooding in Mozambique alone could soon rise to around 1,000.
Nyusi says the scale of the disaster has been “huge” with bodies seen floating in rivers.
A woman’s relentless heart, in the devastating #CycloneIdai these women save one of theirs being swept away by the flooded #BiriiriRiver, #Chimanimani.RT for help.#AMothersLove#WITZim
Credit:Unknown@InfoMinZW @PROWEB2005 @RuvhenekoP @kvgroyalty @Newsbae @iMisred @trucilamutasa pic.twitter.com/93SZ6bKxGT— Women In Tourism Zimbabwe (@WITZim) March 16, 2019
Extent of damage
In some areas in the three countries affected, millions have been displaced.
Thousands have also been cut off from roads with telephones, power and water supplies hugely affected in rural areas.
Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa told reporters that “I am particularly proud of our incredible special forces who are showing great bravery to help those who have been affected.”
We are all grieving the tragic loss of life from Cyclone Idai. Our togetherness as a nation continues to provide strength to those suffering. I am particularly proud of our incredible special forces who are showing great bravery to help those who have been affected. pic.twitter.com/MXkNBY6t7t
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) March 18, 2019
Rescue efforts have been ongoing in all the affected countries.
South Africa has said its military has sent in aircraft and 10 medical personnel to help in Mozambique and Malawi.
A flooded Nyahonde river in Rusitu, Chimanimani as many are displaced and lives lost in the process. Help the Red Cross help others.#Zimbabweans4Zimbabweans #CycloneIdaiZW @ICRC_SAfrica @IFRCAfrica @ItalyinZimbabwe @SwedeninZW @ZBCNewsonline @daddyhope @takemorem1 @kimstambuli pic.twitter.com/1kl6QWcj37
— Zimbabwe Red Cross (@ZrcsRed) March 17, 2019
The cyclone Idai was expected to make a landfall in these three countries after days of heavy rains led to deadly flooding.
Source: Africafeeds.com
